5 Important Things to Know Before Your Vasectomy Procedure

Even if you think that having a vasectomy is right for your lifestyle and family management goals, it’s still critical that you educate yourself about a few vasectomy facts before you commit to the procedure. The following article discusses important points about vasectomies. NorCalVas offers safe and highly effective no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy procedures to the Elk Grove, Redding, Scotts Valley, and Sacramento communities.

If you’re considering having a vasectomy, your focus is probably on eliminating the possibility of having children. Nevertheless, there’s a lot more you should consider before undergoing the surgery. Here’s what you need to know.

  1. Sterility doesn’t occur immediately. You may think you’re free of contraceptive responsibility right after having the procedure, but that definitely isn’t the case. Sterility occurs only after approximately three months, and roughly 20 ejaculations. This is because there is still sperm in the reproductive tract and in the seminal vesicle that needs to be fully flushed out of the body.

  2. Vasectomy failure rates are dramatically lower than tubal ligation failure rates. Couples seeking permanent birth control should seriously consider vasectomy over tubal ligation. Failure rates for vasectomy are approximately one in 1500- 2000, while failure rates for tubal ligation are about one in 250. Additionally, tubal ligation is a highly complex surgical procedure and can result in significant, sometimes life-threatening complications like ectopic pregnancy.

  3. No-needle vasectomy reduces the risk of hematoma and other complications. No-needle vasectomy procedures mean no anesthesia injections – anesthetic is sprayed through the scrotum. This process means that the doctor doesn’t have as many concerns about controlling bleeding, so the procedure is quite quick. Additionally, not having to have an injection into an incredibly sensitive area means less anxiety, less tensing, and less time on the table.

  4. No-scalpel vasectomies heal faster than traditional vasectomies. No-scalpel vasectomies are much less invasive than traditional vasectomies. The healing process is faster and there is a far lower risk of infection or other complications because only a minute area of the scrotal wall is opened.

  5. Vasectomies have no effect on either sex drive or sexual performance. Sex drive and performance are largely influenced by hormone production, vascular health, cardiovascular health, and emotional wellness, which vasectomies do not alter in any way. Many men report that they find that their sex drive is, in fact, enhanced after having a vasectomy, because they no longer feel anxious about the potential of unwanted pregnancy.

NorCalVas founder, Dr. Chirag A. Patel MD, Ph.D., specializes in no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy procedures. To schedule a consultation, please visit our contact page.